Nursery School
Calvary's Nursery School was started in 1981 by Linda Hubmeier, the wife of our Minister of Christian Education and Youth, Bruce. At first it was a satellite of the Nursery School operated by Nassau Lutheran School in Mineola. Janet Gottschalk -- a creative former teacher at Nassau Lutheran School -- began as a teacher in our Nursery School in 1985 and became its director in 1988. That year Calvary took sole control of the school. A second teacher and several assistants work with Janet.
About 85 children -- ages 3 and 4 -- attend classes each morning or afternoon five days a week. They learn the basic things they need to know for kindergarten. Children attend for two years. They come from a variety of religious and ethnic backgrounds such as Hispanic, Indian, Chinese, and Jewish. About 25% are from Calvary families. Our Nursery School enjoys an excellent reputation in the community.
The children are taught the essentials of the Christian faith. Every day there is a Jesus' time in class and on Friday, a service in the church. A number of children have taught their parents to say mealtime prayers, and some mothers are now praying with their children at bedtime. A few families have become members of our congregation.
A fine Mommy and Me program for two-year olds began in May 1991. This past year 24 children -- our maximum capacity -- were enrolled. Moms or caregivers and their children join each week for 11/2 hours of activities and crafts led by an experienced teacher.
A dedicated school board of Calvary volunteers gives good support to the Nursery School and the Mommy and Me staff.